News

The LGBT Labour group have been refused service because they are a gay group, despite them having made a booking at the Green Coat Boy pub in Westminster.

The manager of the pub said he would have refused the booking had he known it was an LGBT group. LGBT Labour is calling on Punch Taverns chain to apologise and promote LGBT equality to staff and customers. 

LGBTory, the Conservative LGBT Group, today expressed their support for the LGBT Labour group in their action against homophobia. Matthew Sephton, Chairman of LGBTory, commented, “I am appalled that any LGBT group should be treated in such a manner.  This is a disgraceful homophobic and bigoted attitude towards fellow LGBTs and it is completely unacceptable. LGBTory, the Conservative LGBT group, fully supports LGBT Labour in their swift action in involving the police and will push for justice for both their group and for LGBT people generally.” 

Read more: Gay Labour Group Suffer Homophobia

Stonewall turns 21 on May 20th 2010.

Stonewall Deputy Chief Executive Laura Doughty said, ‘A 21st birthday traditionally signifies a landmark coming-of-age, and Stonewall’s coming-of-age is happening right now as the reach and impact of our campaigning work grows year on year. We continue to develop key relationships with ministers and decision-makers, but our campaigning towards equality now stretches way beyond this. Lesbian, gay and bisexual equality needs to be embedded at home, at school and at work for Britain to be a truly gay-friendly country. Stonewall will continue to campaign for this in the next 21 years.’ 

Read more: 21 Years of Stonewall

Theresa May, the new Equalities Minister has said she has "changed my mind" about gay couples adopting children and other LGBT issues on BBC's Question Time.

When pressed on her homophobic voting record, she claims to have changed her views and claims if the vote was today she would "vote differently".

Labour MP, Caroline Flint responded, "I'm pleased Theresa's changed her mind and we should accept when people change their mind and welcome that."

Read more: Theresa May Changes Her Mind

The fourteen year sentence imposed on a Malawian couple convicted of “gross indecency” and “unnatural acts” is an outrage, Amnesty International said today.

Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga were arrested by police on 28 December 2009 in Blantyre, two days after holding an engagement ceremony in the southern city’s Chirimba township.  

Michelle Kagari, deputy Africa programme director at Amnesty International, said, “This sentence sends a strong and unacceptable message that discrimination is legally justified in the Malawi justice system. Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga should never have been arrested or prosecuted. That they have been sentenced to 14 years of hard labour is an outrage.”

Read more: 14 Years in Prison for Gay Couple

Stonewall today publishes voting records for the four remaining Labour leadership candidates.

The results are based on an analysis of 14 key votes on gay equality in the House of Commons between 2001 and 2010. Each candidate for the Labour leadership is ranked on the votes he could have cast during his time as an MP.

David Miliband who declared the death of New Labour yesterday as he officially launched his leadership campaign scored 86%. His brother, Ed Miliband scored 86%.

Ed Balls, the former Education Secretary, scores 93%. Former health secretary Andy Burnham comes fourth, scoring just 71% after failing to support a range of equality measures during his nine years in Parliament.

Read more: How Gay Friendly is Labour’s Next Leader?

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has today written to Chief Constables and the Chairs of Local Criminal Justice Boards, Community Safety Partnerships and Primary Care Trusts, providing them with guidance on how they can play their part in tackling homophobic crimes and abuse.

The Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.  It is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain.  It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights. 

Read more: Commission calls on community leaders to tackle homophobia

David Cameron has announced his new cabinet, including Home Secretary and Minister for Equality, Theresa May.

She has replaced Chris Grayling after his homophobic views came to light during the election and was effectively removed from public view by the party. However, Theresa May hasn't got the best voting record on gay rights. In recent years:

1998 Theresa May voted against equalising the age of consent.

2000 Theresa May voted against the repeal of Section 28, legislation that banned the 'promotion' of homosexuality by schools.

2001 Theresa May voted against gay couples being allowed to adopt.

Read more: How Gay Friendly is the new Home Secretary?